Passing on infections from mother to foetus
STIs
You can infect the foetus if an STI is not treated. It can be dangerous for the foetus if the STI is not treated. If you know you have an STI, talk to a doctor or gynaecologist. He/she can help you to take the right steps to protect the foetus.
Most STIs can be treated during pregnancy without any danger for the foetus, except for hepatitis B. For hepatitis B, the baby is given a vaccine after birth.
Herpes in the vagina in the last 3 months of pregnancy can be dangerous for the foetus. Contact a doctor or gynaecologist immediately.
A pregnant woman is always tested for several STIs. If you want a test for a specific STI, you have to ask your doctor.
HIV
If you have HIV, you can still have healthy children:
- A pregnant woman with HIV has to take medicines during pregnancy and delivery. In this case, more than 99% of babies are born without HIV.
- In most cases, a woman with HIV can have a natural delivery. The doctor decides whether the woman has a natural delivery or a caesarean section.
- The baby is given medicines after birth.
- The mother cannot breast-feed her child. The breast-milk contains HIV. There are other ways to bond with your baby.
More information or help needed?
Family doctor
You can talk to a family doctor about almost every intimate issue. If necessary the family doctor can refer you to a specialised health professional. Find a family doctor in your neighbourhood:
Community health centre (wijkgezondheidscentrum)
You can visit a family doctor in a community health centre. Other care professionals such as nurses and social workers also work at community health centres. Care is provided free of charge. Find a community health centre in your neighbourhood:
Gynaecologist
In Belgium, you can make an appointment directly with the gynaecologist without a referral from your family doctor. However, your family doctor can help you find a gynaecologist.
Helpcenter ITG
Help with HIV and sexual health issues. Free and anonymous STI and HIV testing.
03 216 02 88
HIV-SAM project
Counselling to people from Sub-Sahara Africa living with HIV and HIV and STI prevention towards the African community
03 247 07 18
S clinic - UMC Saint-Pierre
STI testing and treatment
02 535 37 32
Elisa Centrum - UMC Saint-Pierre
Anonymous and free HIV and STI testing
02 535 30 03
Centre S (Sida Sol)
HIV and STI testing
04 287 67 00
Sensoa Positief
Information, activities and support for people with HIV and their environment. You can remain anonymous.
078 15 11 00 (13 h-16 h)
Aide Info Sida – Le Libre Espace
Support to people living with HIV
02 514 29 65, 0800 20 120 (for free, 18h-21h)
Lhiving
Psychosocial support to people with HIV or another chronic disease
02 201 14 19 (9-17h, not on Tuesday morning)
Plate-Forme Prévention Sida
Support to people living with HIV and their environment
02 733 72 99
Dokters van de wereld - Antwerpen
Free medical care - Free counselling and HIV testing (no appointment needed), every day between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
03 231 36 41
Dokters van de wereld - Brussel
Free medical care
02 225 43 00
Dokters van de wereld - La Louvière
Free medical care
S.A.S.E.R.
Service de Santé Affective Sexuelle et de Réduction des Risques (Sexual Health Service and Risk Reduction) - Anonymous and free STI and HIV testing
081 77 68 20
SIDA-I.S.T. Charleroi-Mons
AIDS-STI Charleroi-Mons - Free and anonymous STI and HIV testing
071 92 54 10